A Hymn for Lent

Here’s a hymn for Lent, by Rachel Parkinson.

To the tune: Beneath the cross of Jesus

1. “Lord, save us from the desert”
is what we often pray
yet cushioned by securities
we often lose the Way.
So lead us into wilderness
and gently strip us bare;
That, trusting in your grace alone,
we find your blessings there.

2. The desert meant for Hagar
she met God face to face;
A burning bush made Moses see
the desert’s sacred space.
The manna in the wilderness
led Israel to rejoice
And Elijah in the wasteland heard
the whisper of God’s voice.

3. The wilderness, for Jesus,
was preparation ground
and later, wanting time to pray,
deserted space he found.
So may our journeying take us to
that place of solitude
where God’s own Word, not bread alone,
becomes our daily food.

Rachel Parkinson March 2009

PREMIER RADIO AND MRDF SAY IT’S TIME TO CHANGE THE WORLD

This Lent, Premier Christian Radio and the Methodist Relief and Development Fund (MRDF) are challenging people to take simple actions that will change the world. As high food prices threaten to push 100 million people deeper into poverty and the global economic crisis persists, the organisations have produced a radio series to remind people that they can make a difference to people living in the world’s poorest communities.

The series, which comprises six internet programmes and exclusive interviews on Premier’s Sunday Breakfast, is based on MRDF’s study pack, What does the Bible say about changing the world? It will focus on Biblical characters and people from MRDF’s overseas work who have made an extraordinary difference. It will also give listeners ideas of simple actions they can take to empower some of the world’s most vulnerable people.

The President of the Methodist Conference, Revd Stephen Poxon, recorded the biblical reflections for the series. He said: ‘I am thrilled to be a part of Premier’s Lent series and to champion the work of MRDF. I recently visited its project for street children in Bangladesh, where I saw love in action as vulnerable youngsters were cared for by people who could have been doing less risky work. Through my reflections, I hope to encourage us to nurture this kind of selflessness in our everyday lives.’

Peter Kerridge, Premier’s Chief Executive, said: ‘These programmes are of great importance because they do not only highlight the global crisis that we face, they offer listeners ways to respond to the issues and make a real change through MRDF.’

MRDF Director Kirsty Smith said: ‘We are excited about our collaboration with Premier Radio for this Lent series. The MRDF staff have been privileged to meet ordinary people overseas, as well as within the UK, who are helping to make a tangible difference in some of the world’s poorest communities. We are delighted to have this opportunity to tell some of their stories and to reflect on Biblical principles that inspire us all to use what we have to change the world.’

The internet programmes can be downloaded from www.premier.org.uk/lent. Exclusive live interviews with people who have seen MRDF’s work first-hand will feature on Premier’s Sunday Breakfast between 8-10am until 12 April, 2009. Listeners can order MRDF’s study pack, What does the Bible say about changing the world? for use in their house groups and youth groups from www.mrdf.org.uk.


Source; Methodist News Service 27/02/2009

Methodist Church launches alternative credit card for Lent

The Methodist Church is encouraging people to buy less and live more this Lent, with their new alternative Buy Less: Live More credit card.

The card cannot be used to make purchases, but is designed to be placed in a wallet in front of other credit and debit cards to remind people to think twice before they spend. Buy Less: Live More aims to challenge people to curb their spending and shrink their carbon footprint.

The Revd Michaela Youngson, Methodist Secretary for Pastoral Care and Spirituality, says, ‘When we take time to think about the things we buy and why we buy them, it can help us to reconsider our priorities. I may well want to buy something, but does that mean that I need it? But Buy Less: Live More isn’t about depriving yourself of those things you want; it’s about looking at life in a new way, trying different things and taking a few risks. So as well as reducing your carbon footprint by getting off the consumer treadmill, you can live life in all its fullness.’

The initiative is supported by a website ( www.buylesslivemore.org.uk) and a dedicated group on popular networking site Facebook. During Lent people who sign up will receive a daily email with 2 challenges or ideas for buying less and living more. These updates will also be available on the website and Facebook group. People will be able to share their experiences online, swapping stories, questions and advice.

Note. Buy less: Live More credit cards can be ordered in packs of 10 from mph (www.mph.org.uk, 01733 325002) for free, with a small charge for postage. Product Code: PA 512.

Sourse: http://methodist.org.uk/news 11/1/2008


This is a very good initiative which not only extends the traditional discipline of fasting during Lent (limiting our food intake) but at the present time could be a help to all those who find themselves in debt.